Functional design of aircraft electric actuator equipment

Ernest B. Evans (nonmember; Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Burbank, Calif.): Mr. Gagnier has ably treated the factors involved in the design of aircraft electric actuators. Much might be gained by the interchange of ideas and information regarding design details. Gear train arrangements which allow maximum manufacturing tolerances, and production methods by which semiskilled personnel may hold those tolerances are especially to be sought. The same may be said of clutch-brake design. In one actuator of recent design it was found possible to improve the magnetic circuit and reduce the accumulation of tolerances, and yet simplify production and testing of the actuators by combining a steel coil housing, a brake face, and a guide sleeve into one part. The coefficient of friction between the clutch faces was increased considerably by radial rather than annular grinding of the driving face.